Deputies: Suspect gutted walls to grow drugs

ContributedLincoln County deputies say they seized marijuana and firearms from a Denver residence where the walls had been gutted to grow the illegal drugs.

JENNA-LEY HARRISON
Staff Writer

Following three months of surveillance at a Denver man’s residence, narcotics investigators and fellow patrol deputies locked up an alleged drug offender Wednesday night for using his home to grow nearly 20 marijuana plants in one of the “most elaborate” busts of its kind under Sheriff David Carpenter’s administration, investigators said.
Raymond William Taylor, 66, of 5230 Lawhorn Lane, is accused of gutting the walls of his residence in order to grow the 18 illegal plants, which, depending on how they are packaged, are valued between $8,000 and $15,000, according to an agency press release.
Sheriff’s investigators said they additionally seized a more-than-seven pound batch of marijuana inside the home.
Law enforcement officials carried out the search warrant at 11:30 p.m., the release said.
The narcotics division had received multiple calls to their Narcotics Tip Line in recent months about a potential grow operation inside a home off Mack Ballard Road, prompting them to investigate the area.
Mack Ballard Road intersects Lawhorn Lane, where Taylor lives, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The suspect faces multiple drug charges including one count each of possession with intent to manufacture, sell and distribute a schedule VI controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, manufacturing a schedule VI controlled substance and maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for a controlled substance.
Taylor remains in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond.